Cycling Sparks Creative Connections

What drives someone to cycle the entire Pacific Coast alone—and how does it change them?Cat Lau shares her journey of overcoming cultural expectations, tackling tough terrain, and discovering deep self-reliance. From the kindness of the cycling community to nights spent camping under the stars, this episode explores how adventure can lead to healing and empowerment.Balancing work, personal growth, and a search for connection, Cat’s story is a powerful reminder that taking risks can expand our boundaries and create space for others to feel seen in the cycling world.Catch up with Cat and follow her on Instagram at @cathippocampus.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] thanks to our sponsor, Bikeflights – the best in bicycle shipping service and boxes, guaranteed.Theme Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

What happens when creativity meets the open road? Artist James Crossley shares his inspiring project, Middle Ground, where a cargo bike becomes a moving canvas. This unique residency invites artists to travel through diverse landscapes, connect with communities, and create art along the way.Discover how cycling can spark spontaneous conversations, bridge urban and rural worlds, and turn a journey into a living gallery. Creativity in motion has never looked so meaningful.Calling All Creatives – Middle Ground will feature three artists on journeys in the summer of 2025.  Artists – Apply now to be part of this mobile residency. Partners & Sponsors – Get in touch to support or collaborate. For more info, press kit, and application, visit Middle Ground and follow them on Instagram at @cargoarts.Catch up with James on his website at Jamespac.net and on Instagram at @james_pac and @plattegang.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

How does one overcome polio and diabetes to embark on an incredible cycling journey?In this inspiring episode, Ken Reinke shares how he pedaled across the country multiple times after turning sixty. In fact, Ken has ridden over 9,000 miles since his 67th birthday! From Florida to San Diego and beyond, he embraced freedom on the road while carefully managing his health.With stories of stealth camping, kindness, and discoveries along the way, Ken’s journey embodies resilience and adventure. Gain insight into the mental and physical challenges of long-distance cycling and the importance of enjoying the ride.A must-listen for anyone dreaming of their own cycling adventure!Get Ken’s book, The Road Spoke: Trepidation and Tranquility on a Bicycle Odyssey, on Amazon or Goodreads.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Join Emma Karslake as she shares her passion for cycling as the ultimate means of exploration. Her early adventures in South America set the tone for a life dedicated to discovering the world on two wheels, embracing both the challenges and the exhilarating freedom it offers.Emma shares invaluable strategies and heartfelt stories, illuminating the path for women adventurers navigating the globe solo. Discover how preparation, confidence, and a deep connection with your bike can dissolve fears and empower you to embrace the unknown with courage.Whether you’re gearing up for your first bike tour or seeking to deepen your cycling passion, Emma’s wisdom resonates with all who dream of new horizons and the joy of unscripted journeys. Catch up with Emma on her website, Emma Karslake, and follow her on Instagram at @emma_up_cyclesJoin our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

What drives someone to embark on a two-and-a-half-year biking adventure across the globe? Join us as we explore the intriguing world of long-distance cycling with Ben Clark, who is currently traveling through Southeast Asia on a 35,000-kilometer bike tour. This episode offers a glimpse into the life of a digital nomad, highlighting the challenges and rewards of embracing a lifestyle often spent on the road and constantly adapting to new environments and cultures.Ben shares personal stories from the journey, including unexpected friendships and extraordinary experiences in diverse countries like Georgia and India. Despite occasional hardships, they emphasize the joy of discovering new places and the kindness of strangers encountered along the way. This conversation inspires anyone curious about the endless possibilities that open up when we decide to step out of our comfort zone and explore the world on two wheels.Catch up with Ben on his website, World By Bike, and follow him on Instagram at @worldbybike_uk.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Mark Tovell takes us on an exhilarating ride through Taiwan’s lush landscapes and formidable peaks. He shares essential tips for navigating Taiwan’s diverse climates and challenging cycling routes, from the importance of a reliable rain jacket to tackling steep gradients in the mountainous regions. He provides insights into the island's impressive road quality, supportive infrastructure, and unique accommodation options, such as the welcoming nature of temple stays and engaging interactions with locals, who cheer cyclists on with encouraging phrases like "jayo." Mark’s firsthand experiences offer a comprehensive guide for both seasoned cyclists and newcomers, making Taiwan an unmissable destination for your next cycle-touring adventure.Catch up with Mark on his website, Add Oil, and get his book, Taiwan, Roads Above the Clouds. Follow him on Instagram at @addoil_go. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Scott Sharick shares how a stroke served as both a wake-up call and a motivator to embrace an active and spontaneous lifestyle. Fueled by the kindness of strangers and the allure of unpaved roads, his journey through Southeast Asia encompasses more than just the kilometers traveled. From the bustling streets of Thailand to the remote villages of Cambodia, every pedal stroke tells a story of resilience, life reevaluation, and the sheer joy of exploring without a strict itinerary.Get inspired by Scott’s minimalist approach to life, and hear his heartfelt message about prioritizing life goals before health issues can intervene. This episode is a powerful reminder to embrace every moment and live life on your terms.Catch up with Scott on Instagram at @scottsharick. Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Lisa Watts takes us on an epic 3,000-mile journey from Florida to Maine via the East Coast Greenway. Along the way, she embraces life's simplicity and the enriching experiences found in unexpected moments on the road, from the practicalities of wider bike tires and the comfort they provide to the wisdom gained in balancing adventure with safety.Lisa teaches us the importance of enjoying the journey rather than strictly adhering to completion. Reflecting on the metaphorical bridges crossed, she invites us to consider how cycling adventures can be a metaphor for approaching life's transitions, showcasing the profound insights that come with viewing aging as a chapter filled with freedom and vitality.Catch up with Lisa on her blog at Minding the Miles and get her book, Crossing Bridges, What Biking Up the East Coast Taught Me About Life After 60. Learn more about the East Coast Greenway at Greenway.org.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

Join us as Justin Wolfenberg and his children, Henry and Leila, share the trials and triumphs of cycling the TransAmerica Route together as a family. With resilience and perseverance, they face everything from biking through snow and managing high-speed crashes to navigating diverse landscapes and weather conditions.Their bond grew stronger through every challenge, and they encountered unexpected kindness that transformed their journey into something unforgettable. This episode captures the essence of their adventure—fostering growth, building skills, and creating cherished memories—highlighting the beauty not only in the road itself but also in the inspiring people they meet along the way.Catch up with The Wolfenbergs on their blog, Wolfenberg Trans American Bicycle Trip and on their YouTube channel, Wolfenberg Transamerica Bike Trip.Join our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!

In this repeat of one of our most downloaded shows, Sheelagh Daly takes us on an inspiring solo journey across Europe that blends stamina, self-discovery, and the fine art of fueling your body during extended tours. With insightful advice on maintaining optimal nutrition, she offers practical tips on making healthy choices even when options are limited and learning to recognize the nuanced hunger cues your body sends while on the go.Sheelagh illuminates the transformative power of patience, grace, and self-reliance through the lens of a first-time solo tourer. Whether navigating language barriers or the physical demands of cycling through the Alps, you will find inspiration in the stories of resilience and joy from meeting challenges head-on and the connections made along the way.Catch up with Sheelagh:On her website Sheelagh DalyOn Instagram @sheelagh.dalyOn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SheelaghDalyGet Sheelagh's 5 Favorite Bike Touring Nutrition Tips HEREJoin our community at Warmshowers.org, follow us on Instagram @Warmshowers_org, and visit us on Facebook. You can also contact Tahverlee directly at [email protected] Music by Les Konley | Produced by Les KonleyHappy riding and hosting!